Biotechnology and Ethics

In this course, we analyse and discuss ethical challenges in the use of biotechnology and related technologies used on humans, animals and nature: What should we strive for, and what should we steer clear of? What kind of use is okay, or not okay? What should be allowed, and what should be banned? A key theme is how we as individuals and societies assess and relate wisely to the possibilities of biotechnology. What moral ideals and obligations apply to the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? In what ways does biotechnology contribute to or undermine our ability to realize the good life, and the good society?

The course provides an introduction to ethical approaches and positions, historical examples and development lines, and current public and academic debates. The course will provide students with skills to perform bioethical analyzes of issues in fields such as gene modification in animals and other organisms, gene drivers, technology patents, assisted reproduction, genetic testing, prenatal diagnostics, neurotechnology, and genetic improvement. These skills are practiced through discussions in groups and in plenary, and through the supervision of an individual semester essay with a self-chosen problem.

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge, skills and general competence):

Knowledge:

• knowledge of historical debates about the development, application and legal regulation of biotechnology.
• overview of relevant and central ethical and political perspectives, arguments and positions in public debate and academic literature.
• knowledge of current and controversial uses of biotechnology and related technologies, and current legal regulations.

Skills:

• ability to analyse bioethical issues using basic ethical concepts and general ethical perspectives.
• ability to familiarize oneself with different views on bioethical issues, and to be able to discuss these orally.
• ability to formulate a normative bioethical problem, and to discuss in writing how the problem can and should be handled in a structured, balanced, independent and argumentative way.

General competence:

• ability to read bioethical literature in an analytical and critical way.
• ability to apply ethical, legal and political development lines to analyse historical and contemporary bioethical issues and positions
• overview of current bioethical issues, and ability to see similarities and differences between these issues.

Lectures, group- and plenary discussions, oral presentations and written assignments.